My experience getting the Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition shipped to Hong Kong without any stress

February 10, 2026

Why I am obsessed with this modular laptop

I have been following the Framework Laptop 13 (DIY Edition) for a while now. If you are active in the developer community here in Hong Kong, you probably know why this thing is a big deal. It is not just another laptop; it is a statement against the trend of glued-down components and non-replaceable batteries that we see from almost every other manufacturer in 2026. I love the idea that I can swap out my ports—USB-C one day, HDMI the next—just by sliding in an expansion card.

My experience getting the Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition shipped to Hong Kong without any stress
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Since I spend most of my time coding, the DIY edition was a no-brainer for me. I could bring my own RAM and SSD, saving a bit of cash while ensuring I had exactly the specs I needed. I spent weeks looking at us trends to see how other people were configuring theirs, and the consensus was clear: the Framework 13 remains the gold standard for repairability. However, there was one major hurdle I had to jump over.

The Hong Kong dilemma and how I solved it

The problem is that Framework still does not officially ship to Hong Kong. I checked their site daily, hoping for a local launch, but it just hasn't happened yet. I did not want to wait forever or deal with sketchy resellers who mark up the price by 40%. I wanted to buy directly from the US store to get the best price and the full warranty coverage.

That is when I decided to use a freight forwarder. I had heard horror stories about complicated customs forms and hidden fees, but I found a way to keep it simple. By using a tax-free us address provided by comGateway, I managed to avoid US sales tax entirely, which already saved me enough to cover a good chunk of the shipping costs. You might also like to Read more: I found a way to get the Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition delivered to Hong Kong with almost zero effort.

The shipping numbers I used for my budget

Before I hit the buy button, I needed to know if I was going to get hit with a massive shipping bill. I used a shipping calculator to get a rough idea of the costs. Based on my research for the Framework Laptop 13 (DIY Edition), here is the data I used for my estimates.

Metric Estimated Value
Box Weight Approx. 6 lbs (2.7 kg) including the laptop, expansion cards, and power adapter.
Box Dimensions Medium (Approx. 15" x 12" x 3" / 38 x 30 x 8 cm).
Volumetric Warning Low risk. The box is relatively dense, so the actual weight usually determines the cost.
Battery Check Yes, contains a Lithium-ion battery (PI967).

I was worried about the weight at first, but because the Framework box is quite slim, I did not have to worry about volumetric weight surcharges that you usually get with bulky items like pillows or large toys. I just plugged these numbers into the estimate shipping cost tool and found the price to be very reasonable for a premium laptop.

Handling the battery and Hong Kong customs

One thing you have to keep in mind is the battery. Since the Framework Laptop 13 contains a high-capacity lithium battery, it falls under specific international shipping regulations. Most carriers are fine with it as long as the battery is contained within the equipment, which it is. When I used my parcel forwarding service, they handled the necessary "Dangerous Goods" declarations for me, so I did not have to fill out any weird paperwork myself.

For my fellow Hong Kong residents, here is the best part: Hong Kong is a free port. We do not have to worry about import tax or VAT for most consumer electronics. This made my "lazy method" even easier because I did not have to calculate complex duties. What I paid to the freight forwarder was basically the final price to get it to my doorstep in Mong Kok.

My step-by-step lazy process for 2026

I wanted to spend as little time as possible on the logistics so I could focus on building the laptop. Here is the exact step-by-step guide I followed to get my Framework 13:

  • Step 1: I signed up for a comGateway account to get my own tax-free us address in Oregon.
  • Step 2: I went to the Framework website, selected the DIY Edition, and chose my expansion cards (two USB-C, one USB-A, and one MicroSD).
  • Step 3: I used my US address at checkout. Framework accepted my Hong Kong credit card without any issues.
  • Step 4: Once the package arrived at the warehouse, I received an email. I logged in, selected my preferred shipping speed, and paid the international shipping fee.
  • Step 5: I sat back and waited. About five days later, the courier was at my door.

If you have been hesitant about ordering tech from the US because it seems like too much work, I can honestly say this was a breeze. Being able to forward packages reliably is a total game-changer for getting niche hardware that isn't available locally. My Framework 13 is now up and running with Linux, and it is everything I hoped it would be. If you are looking for the latest popular products from the US, don't let the lack of direct shipping stop you.

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